January 12, 2023
1 min read

WHO warns against use of Indian cough syrups in Uzbekistan

The alert comes weeks after Uzbekistan alleged that 18 children died after consuming a syrup made by the company…reports Asian Lite News

The World Health Organization on THhursday warned against the use of two Indian cough syrups for children that have been linked to deaths in Uzbekistan.

The WHO said the products, manufactured by Marion Biotech, were “substandard” and that the firm had failed to provide guarantees about their safety, the BBC reported.

The alert comes weeks after Uzbekistan alleged that 18 children died after consuming a syrup made by the company.

The firm has not yet commented on the alert.

cough syrups.(photo:unsplash)

After the deaths were reported in Uzbekistan, India’s Health Ministry suspended production at the company.

This week, the food safety department in Uttar Pradesh, where Marion Biotech is based, also suspended the company’s production licence.

In the alert issued on Thursday, the WHO said that an analysis of the two cough syrups — Ambronol and Dok-1 Max — by the quality control laboratories of Uzbekistan’s Health Ministry found unacceptable amounts of two contaminants — “diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol”, the BBC reported.

Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans and could be fatal if consumed.

“Both of these products may have marketing authorizations in other countries in the region. They may also have been distributed, through informal markets, to other countries or regions,” the global health body said.

It added that “the substandard products” were “unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death”, BBC reported.

India is known as the “world’s pharmacy” as it produces a third of the world’s medicines, meeting much of the medical needs of developing countries.

The country is also home to some of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies.

ALSO READ: Uranium seized at Heathrow Airport, probe on

Previous Story

Pakistan denies media claims over Uranium package

Next Story

Pakistan faces threat of hunger

Latest from -Top News

BRICS must break the digital chains

BRICS nations need to build consensus, balance innovation and social justice by reinforcing the digital sovereignty of Global South, including evenly distribution of benefits through AI, writes Baidya Bikash Basu BRICS, the

Modi begins landmark Argentina visit

First Indian PM to visit in 57 years; economic ties, lithium and trade top agenda Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a historic visit to Argentina on Saturday by paying homage to

UK MPs Slam Pakistan Over Minority Abuses

Minority communities such as Shias, Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis continue to face harassment, violence, and intimidation. In many cases, law enforcement either turns a blind eye or enables the attacks through inaction…reports

Words Won’t Stop China, Quad Must Deliver

 If the Quad aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence, it must expand its focus beyond the maritime domain and address the continental dynamics of the Indo-Pacific…writes Imran Khurshid Despite early concerns that
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Rahul, Priyanka remember grandmother Indira on her death anniversary

Rahul paid floral tributes to the leader at Shakti Sthal

India’s Minister invites Expo 2020 investors to strengthen make-in-India

India’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers,